Chinese Softshell Turtle

A reptile endemic to China, the Chinese Softshell Turtle’s name derives from the fact that its leathery and pliable shell lacks the horny scales typical of other turtles. With no preference for fresh or brackish water, it is found in rivers, lakes, ponds, canals and slow-current creeks. Fascinatingly, the Chinese Softshell Turtle uses its long snout and tubelike nostrils like a “snorkel” in shallow water.

It can also completely submerge in brackish water through its adaptive ability to excrete urea without intaking too much salty water. Additionally, the Chinese Softshell Turtle, that forages at night, prefers a diet comprised of fish, crustaceans, mollusks and insects. It typically lies at the bottom of the water, buried in sand or mud, silently snatching prey as they emerge. This species reaches sexual maturity at between 4 – 6 years of age. Females lay 8 – 30 eggs in a nest and the eggs are incubated for approximately 60 days.